South Waziristan administration bans journalist from reporting

PESHAWAR: The South Waziristan Agency political administration on Friday barred a journalist from carrying out his duties following the criticism of corruption in government departments mentioned in his news articles.

“I have been denied access to political compound in Tank and to report on any jirga because two administration officials are unhappy with my reporting,” Irfan Burki, a senior Tank-based journalist told Daily Times over telephone. The journalist said an official had telephoned him to tell that he would be arrested if he came to the compound to cover any jirga meeting.

Burki said Ladah sub-division Assistant Political Agent Jamal Azmat and Assistant Political Officer Khalid Mehmood were “conspiring” against him.
Source: Daily Times
Date:10/3/2009